While proceeding up a channel on course 010° per gyro compass, you notice a pair of range lights in alignment with the masts of your vessel when viewed forward. A check of the chart shows the range to be 009°T and the variation to be 15°W. If the ship's course is 026°psc, what is the deviation for the present heading?

Question

While proceeding up a channel on course 010&deg; per gyro compass, you notice a pair of range lights in alignment with the masts of your vessel when viewed forward. A check of the chart shows the range to be 009&deg;T and the variation to be 15&deg;W. If the ship's course is 026&deg;psc, what is the deviation for the present heading?

Accepted Answer

Option A: 2&deg;W. The range provides a True bearing of 009°. With 15°W variation, the magnetic bearing is 024°. Since the ship is on the range, the magnetic heading is 024°. Comparing this to the PSC heading of 026° reveals a 2°W deviation, as the compass is reading higher than the magnetic heading.